Business.co.uk claims to be unique and will provide new business start ups with immediate access to discounts, offers and incentives through its rapidly growing number of partnerships.
Companies include BT Group, School for Startups, NatWest, easyJet, AXA Insurance, Fasthosts Internet Ltd and RJJ Freight Ltd, have all developed individual programmes to encourage and support business starts ups in the UK.
Business.co.uk intends to develop the portal further by adding interactive consumer services that will encourage entrepreneurs to take the leap of setting up a new business. These services will allow them to search and buy products and services from other UK based business at a regional and local level, thereby supporting UK trade.
Commenting on the launch Nick Ogden said: “Small firms contribute more than 49 per cent of the UK turnover and are therefore the lifeblood of the UK economy. Off the back of recent Government initiatives, including the expansion of the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA), I have encouraged many established companies to get on board with business.co.uk and offer financial incentives to help create an environment that fosters new business growth.”
Ogden concluded that ” So far, support has been overwhelming and it is our aim that through this portal and its many partner firms we can not only encourage start-ups but also equip them with the tools necessary to succeed.”
Doug Richard, founder of School for Startups said: “Peer-to-peer networking by new business owners is critical to their success. Business.co.uk strives to create a network of mutually supportive startups and small businesses and simultaneously invites the UK to spend their money domestically rather than sending it abroad. Good for UK entrepreneurs, good for their communities, a good effort all round.”
